Asian stocks hit by fresh tech fears as gold retreats from peakHONG KONG, Jan 30, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Asian stocks sank Friday amid fresh worries over vast investments in artificial intelligence, gold and silver tumbled after hitting multiple record highs and oil retreated on hopes for an easing of US-Iran tensions. Fresh optimism in the tech sector about the future of AI has provided support, however, with healthy earnings from companies including Meta, Samsung and SK hynix providing much cheer. "Concerns centred on rising investment spending, slower Azure (cloud service) growth, and a longer runway to monetising AI." Hong Kong and Shanghai fell more than one percent while Tokyo, Sydney, Singapore, Taipei and Manila were also down. Still, concerns remain about a conflict in the crude-rich region, which would send prices soaring, also putting upward pressure on inflation.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha January 30, 2026 04:13 UTC